255M – NEW WORLD DISTANCE RECORD
On Friday, April 13th, 16 year old David Wiggins Jr. launched a 134-gram Blizzard Champion Boss high into the desert sky. When it returned to earth, spotters confirmed the disc had traveled 836′ (255m) and had broken the world distance record. A record that stood untouched for nearly a decade. David was competing in the the High Desert Distance Challenge III in Primm, NV (elevation 2618′). David’s throw bested Christian Sandström’s record of 820′ that was set way back on April 26, 2002 with an Innova DX Valkyrie.
Not “like a Boss” … WITH a Boss
Friday’s weather was breezy & cold with a threat of rain showers. Nearly all the competitors were throwing Blizzard Champion models. David’s record setting throw was made at approximately 3:00pm PDT during his fourth throw of the second distance set. Winds were blowing from the South at 14.5 mph. David was throwing 150g Blizzard Bosses but decided to try the 134g Boss instead. And the rest is history.
Even though David is only 16 and still a Junior in high school, he’s no stranger to distance titles. He has been pursuing them for most of his life. David set the record for boys under 13 at 577’ (176m) in April 2008. One year later, he set the under 14 mark with a throw of 734′ (224m). David trains just as hard for distance competitions as he does for golf tournaments. David recently traveled to New Mexico for distance training, where he unofficially threw 252m with a 150g Blizzard Champion Boss.
Glass Blown Open
Will Schusterick wins the Glass Blown Open. Will and teammate Paul McBeth locked horns once again, this time in Kansas at the Dynamic Discs Glass Blown Open. The dynamic duo blasted out of the gate on Friday, firing 1077-rated rounds of 52 to secure the top spots. Only 14 other players carded opening rounds in the fifties. And just like that, 43 of the 68-player field found themselves at least 10 shots back. It would be difficult for most players to make up 10 shots on these two, and even more difficult when you add the wind. Howling wind conditions on Saturday and Sunday further separated the best from the rest. For even the world’s best golfers “par” became a really good score. Will increased his lead to 4 entering Sunday’s final round but knew that lead was not safe. Not in those conditions. Not against Paul McBeth.
Paul did his best to apply pressure despite a heap of unfortunate bips, lips, and skips. Each time he would draw within a few strokes, Will would respond. Will sealed the victory in dramatic fashion by nearly acing the Par 3 18th. His tap in birdie close was followed by a huge sigh of relief. Shortly after, the other members of Will’s group hoisted him onto their shoulders in celebration of a job well done.
Other Highlights
Dave Feldberg dodged the Emporia wind by jetting over to the Copenhagen Open in Denmark, an event he won in 2009. Europe’s finest were there to greet him including Karl “KJ” Johan Nybo, Christian Sandström, Jussi Meresmaa, Seppo Paju, and many more. Feldberg won the event by defeating KJ by a single throw in the finals, which was the final margin of victory. Dave will continue his NonStop Disc Golf tour this weekend at the SOKY Championships in Bowling Green, KY.Ken Climo and Pam Reineke were winners at Florida’s Jacksonville Open. Brian Schweberger won the Bayville Spring Pro/Am in Virginia, and Des Reading became the Texas Women’s Disc Golf Champion. Des is a 3-time World Champion, 3-time US Champion, 4-time Player of the Year.
